Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing
FILE MANAGERFiles 3.0
www.snipca.com/48213
What you need: Windows 10 or 11
Although Microsoft has made several improvements to File Explorer in 2023 – in Windows 11, at least – we still prefer the open-source file manager Files. This brilliant free tool is packed with useful options you won’t find in File Explorer and the latest version adds even more.
Files 3.0 updates the program’s interface to give it a more modern look. The main files area has been given Windows 11-style rounded corners; the left-hand sidebar is better organised; and folders you pin to your Favourites list now have distinct icons.
When you move or copy and paste large files and folders between drives on your PC, you’ll now see a progress graph that includes details of the file size and transfer speed. Click the ‘Status centre’ button in the top-right corner of the program to view your current and completed transfers.
One of the most notable new features is the ability to preview Office files, so you can see the contents of Word documents and Excel spreadsheets without needing to open them. Simply select the file and click the Preview button – or press Ctrl+P – to display its content in the Preview pane.
Another welcome addition is the Command Palette, which lets you perform quick actions in Files. Press Ctrl+Shift+P and choose from the long list of commands, which include ‘Create new folder’, ‘Empty recycle bin’, ‘Sort items by date created’ and many more. Files has also added the option to keep it running in the background, so you don’t need to launch it each time you want to browse your files. This is enabled by default, but you can turn it off in the Advanced section of the program’s Settings.
To get the free version of Files rather than the paid-for Microsoft Store app, click the tiny ‘classic installer’ link on the Download page (www.snipca.com/48224). The EXE file may ask if you want to install 7z Setup SFX, but this is just the name of the Files self-extracting archive - so don’t worry, you haven’t downloaded the wrong program.
1Files can now display the contents of Office files in its Preview pane, meaning you don’t need to open them first. Click the ‘Preview’ button to show the pane, then click the Preview tab. You can also click Details to view file information.
2To use the new Command Palette feature in Files, press Ctrl+Shift+P. This will replace
